Online crime in numbers

A large-scale study among over 33,000 Dutch people shows that online crime in numbers has become a structural problem. In 2024, 9.4% of the population indicated that they had been victims of fraud or scams – accounting for about 2.4 million people. Two years earlier, this percentage was still at 7.6%.
Purchase fraud is the most common form: consumers are lured into purchases through fake webshops or advertisements. Sales fraud, phishing, and identity theft are also increasing sharply. Hacking, on the other hand, showed a slight decrease: from 4.6% in 2022 to 3.9% in 2024. This clearly shifts the threat towards fraud and social engineering.

Perpetrators often closer than expected

Online crime is often seen as an abstract danger, carried out by anonymous hackers. However, the reality proves to be more complex. The research reveals that people from the immediate environment are also responsible. Ex-partners (8.6%), friends (5.9%), colleagues (2.1%), and even family members regularly play a role in online threats or fraud. This unexpected source of threat makes the problem even more severe: victims not only lose money or data but also trust.

Young people and vulnerable groups

Young people are particularly a significant risk group. No less than 20% of 15 to 25-year-olds fell victim to online fraud in 2024. Their strong presence on social media and the temptation of seemingly trustworthy advertisements increase the risk. Older people aged 65 and over appear to be less frequently affected, but still, one in ten has experience with online crime. Additionally, households with a lower wealth level are more often victims: about 18% compared to an average of 16%.

Mental and emotional impact

The consequences of online crime are not always financial. Victims often report psychological or emotional damage: loss of trust (36.5%), feelings of insecurity (30%), and even anxiety or sleep problems. In cases of online threats and intimidation, this percentage is even higher. It shows that the impact extends beyond material damage: online crime also affects well-being and the sense of safety.

The underestimated impact of identity theft

Although identity theft occurs less frequently – 0.6% of the population in 2024 – the consequences are significant. A stolen identity document can lead to long-term damage, such as opening bank accounts or signing contracts in the victim's name.
According to ethical hacker Jochen den Ouden, prevention is crucial: "Cybercriminals often find identity documents in mailboxes. A simple tip is to search for terms like 'passport' or 'driver's license' and delete old files. If you must send a copy, you can use secure apps like KopieID. This makes your BSN unreadable and adds a watermark."

Low reporting willingness

It is striking that only 16% of victims actually report to the police. About half do not report the incident at all, often because they think it won't make a difference. This low reporting and filing behavior complicates investigation and prosecution, allowing cybercriminals to often operate undisturbed.

New threats: AI and human errors

Online fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Criminals use AI to create convincing phishing emails, fake webshops, and deepfakes. Additionally, supply chain attacks play a larger role: weaker links in the chain are exploited to penetrate larger organizations.
Yet, humans often remain the weakest link. According to security research, it is expected that in 2025, half (about 50%) of all cyber incidents will involve human errors: inattention, poor passwords, or clicking on the wrong link.

Related: From deepfakes to LLMs: how scammers operate nowadays – a look at the latest techniques criminals are using.

Practical tips for digital safety

According to experts, awareness is the first step in the fight against online crime. By being alert and taking basic measures, you significantly reduce the chance of becoming a victim. Some recommendations:

• Be critical of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Only use reliable payment methods.
• Always verify the authenticity of websites and webshops.
• Do not share privacy-sensitive information with third parties.
• Keep your mailbox free of identity documents.

What are the government and police doing against online crime?

Despite the increase in the number of victims, tackling online crime proves challenging. A large portion of incidents is not reported or does not lead to a filing, making investigation and prosecution often slow. Additionally, cyber cases are technically complex and cross-border, further hindering effectiveness.

Nevertheless, steps are being taken. The police are consolidating reports and increasingly focusing on disruption actions, such as taking down servers of ransomware groups. There are also initiatives at the policy level: through the Cybercrime image Netherlands (CCBN), police and the Public Prosecution Service map trends and developments. This instrument aims to ensure better collaboration between parties and a more effective approach to cybercrime.

For citizens and businesses, this means that reporting does indeed have value: the more insight police and justice gain into patterns and perpetrators, the more effectively they can act.

Additionally, European regulations are playing an increasingly important role. Read more about the NIS2 directive and what it means for businesses.

Conclusion: urgency for digital resilience

The figures clearly show that digital resilience poses a persistent and growing risk. From young people falling into the trap of misleading advertisements to victims of identity theft: the impact is widely felt. It is not only about financial damage but also about psychological consequences and loss of trust.

At the same time, investigation is under pressure due to the low reporting rate and the complexity of cyber cases. This makes it all the more important for consumers, businesses, and the government to collaborate. Awareness, technical measures, and a higher willingness to report incidents are crucial steps. Only then can digital resilience grow alongside the threat from cybercriminals.

Also read: Cybersecurity in 2025: trends, challenges, and solutions – about zero trust, AI, and other strategies that companies use to defend against new threats.